Plug-in hybrids are hardly rare in South Africa these days, and the Haval H6 GT PHEV is one of the most compelling options. It promises generous electric range, serious punch, and value that undercuts European rivals by hundreds of thousands of rands. But should you buy one? Let’s unpack it!
We recently had this plug-in hybrid for a week, and it impressed us, but it's not perfect. Let's start with the positives first.
The Pros
1. Proper EV range
With its big 35.4 kWh battery, the H6 GT PHEV can realistically cover 120-plus km in town on electricity alone. For most commuters, that means you have plenty of EV power available for those traffic jams. You could theoretically drive for days on electricity alone, but is still super efficient when the engine kicks in to help.
Related: Range Rover Velar PHEV pricing s. Haval H6 GT PHEV
2. Low running costs
Charge at home, and you’re looking at about R1.25 per km on electricity versus R2.60 per km if you rely on public DC charging. Compare that to a 2.8-litre Toyota Fortuner (about R1.95 per km) and the Haval remains the lighter sipper. Even with an empty battery, the H6 GT PHEV rarely drinks more than 7.0 L/100 km.
3. Performance that stuns
A 0–100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds puts the Haval in sports-car territory. Power delivery is instant, and while the “GT” badge oversells the handling a bit, you’ll have power to take on that guy giving you the stink-eye at the robot. (We don't condone it, however.)
4. Space in the right places
The rear legroom is limo-like, and the standard specs are generous: you don’t need to tick any expensive option boxes.
5. An extensive warranty
A 7-year/200,000 km warranty plus an 8-year/150,000 km battery warranty is one of the longest in SA; showing that the brand believes in its product. Read our '25 review of the H6 GT PHEV.
Most cars today have their niggles, and the H6 GT is no exception. The question is, are you willing to live with them? Here are the things we liked a little less.
The Cons
1. Small boot & tiny rear window
At 392 litres, the boot is modest for family duty, and the coupé-style rear window limits visibility. Cameras help, but it still feels less practical than rivals.
2. No spare wheel
You only get a tyre repair kit, a pain in rural South Africa, where sidewall damage is typical.
3. Soft brakes
The pedal feels somewhat spongy and lacks bite at lower speeds; it takes some getting used to. But if you're driving on the highway and need to stop quickly, those brake callipers will help.
4. Infotainment frustrations
The big screen looks premium, but the software isn’t intuitive. Finding basic settings can be a chore, and the voice assistant is not great either.
5. Resale value is an unknown
Haval’s reputation is growing, but SA's long-term demand for Chinese PHEVs is still uncertain. If you opt for that Fortuner as mentioned earlier, you know you'll get your money's worth.
Verdict
If you can charge at home, the Haval H6 GT PHEV is a no-brainer for buyers who want cutting-edge performance, low running costs, and loads of kit without the German price tag. Just be ready to live with a smaller boot and the unknowns around resale.
Haval H6 GT PHEV – Key Technical Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price (SA) | R 799 900 |
| Engine / Hybrid System | 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine + electric motors (plug-in hybrid, 4WD via DHT) |
| Combined Power | ~321 kW total output |
| Combined Torque | ~762 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 35.4 kWh |
| Electric-Only Range (Claimed) | 180 km (NEDC) ) Realistic: 120 km |
